Senator Harriss Welcomes Local Students for Hands-On Legislative Experience at SWIC
State Senator Erica Harriss welcomed nearly 50 high school students and educators to Southwestern Illinois College Sam Wolf Campus this month for her Fall Youth Advisory Council (YAC), an initiative designed to give students a firsthand look at state government. “I love hosting the Youth Advisory Council because it gives students a chance to see […]
Senator Harriss Passes Property Tax Relief Bill for Seniors
To help Illinois seniors stay in their homes and ease the burden of rising property taxes, State Senator Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) helped pass a plan to expand Illinois’ property tax relief program for older homeowners. “One of the top issues I hear when meeting with senior citizens is the need for property tax relief. As […]
Veto Session Leaves Illinois Families Paying the Price
By State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) It was a costly week for Illinois taxpayers. As the General Assembly wrapped up its fall Veto Session just before 5 a.m. on Halloween, the Majority Party pushed through a series of proposals that will make life more expensive for Illinois families, from higher energy bills to new […]
Senator Harriss Reacts to “Energy Omnibus Bill” Passage
State Senator Erica Harriss issued a statement expressing concerns from the newly passed “Energy Omnibus Bill”: “Illinois’ energy policies are hurting families and small businesses. Closing reliable power plants and importing electricity, a market we once led, has driven up costs for everyone. This new bill makes things worse. It removes rate caps that protect consumers, […]
Senator Erica Harriss Launches Annual Share the Warmth Drive to Help Families in Need
To help ensure families throughout the 56th District stay warm this winter, State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is launching her Share the Warmth Drive beginning November 3. From November 3 through December 3, Senator Harriss’ office will collect new hats, gloves, socks, hand warmers, and chapstick to donate to Riverbend Family Ministries. “As temperatures […]
Senator Erica Harriss Honors Local Heroes at First Annual First Responders Appreciation Event
State Senator Erica Harriss proudly welcomed more than 60 first responders from across the Metro East region to her First Responders Appreciation Event on Thursday, October 23, at her Edwardsville district office. “This event was all about saying thank you,” said Senator Harriss. “Every day, these brave men and women put their lives on the […]
Senator Harriss Office to Hold Traveling Office Hours in November
The office of State Senator Erica Harriss will host traveling office hours across the 56th District from Tuesday, November 4, through Thursday, November 6, 2025, providing constituents with a convenient opportunity to meet with her team, discuss concerns, and receive assistance on state-related matters. “Meeting with residents across our district is one of the most […]
State Senator Erica Harriss to Celebrate Local Heroes at First Annual First Responders Appreciation Event
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th – Glen Carbon) extends a warm invitation to Metro East first responders to join her first annual First Responders Appreciation Event on Thursday, October 23, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at her Edwardsville district office, 120 N. Main Street, Suite 1B. “This event is all about saying thank you to […]
Senator Harriss Invites Families to Share Veterans’ Stories for Illinois Capitol Display
To honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of Illinois veterans, State Senator Erica Harriss is encouraging residents to share photos and stories of their loved ones who served in the United States Armed Forces. These submissions will be featured in the “Honoring All Who Served” Veterans Day Display in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda from […]
Department of Agriculture Asks for the Public’s Help Against Invasive Spotted Lanternfly
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is asking residents to be on the lookout for the invasive spotted lanternfly, a pest that was first confirmed in the state in 2023 and is now being found more frequently. While the insect does not pose a threat to people or animals, it feeds on a variety of plants, […]